Tongue Problems Directory
It can be very uncomfortable when you experience tongue problems. Most conditions are not serious, though some tongue problems can be a sign of oral cancer or other more serious problems. Leukoplakia, thrush, and lichen planus are characterized by white patches on the tongue. A red tongue can be a sign of geographic tongue, scarlet fever, Kawasaki syndrome, or a vitamin deficiency. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how tongue problems are caused, what they look like, symptoms of various tongue problems, and much more.
Medical Reference
Bad Breath Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
Learn what causes bad breath as well as how to treat and prevent it.
Oral Health Problems in Children
Children's dental problems may arise from bottle feeding, thumb sucking, lip sucking, and tongue thrusting.
Do You Have Thrush? If So, Here Are Some Reasons Why
You can get thrush if you have too much yeast in your body. You can also get it if you have poor oral hygiene.
Oral Piercing Risks, At-Home Care, and Warning Signs
Learn the risks of getting an oral piercing in the lip, cheek, or tongue as well as tips for taking care of a piercing at home.
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Slideshows & Images
The Science Behind Weird Body Quirks
Who hasn't had an ice cream brain freeze, or been awakened by the pain of a charley horse? What's behind these weird body quirks, anyway? Find out.
17 Oral Health & Mouth Problems
Sores, painful gums, bad breath -- what’s going on in your mouth? Found out with our slideshow of the most common mouth problems.
The Tongue (Human Anatomy): Picture, Function, Definition, Problems, and More
WebMD's Tongue Anatomy Page provides a detailed picture and definition of the tongue as well as an overview of its function and location in the body. Also learn about conditions, test, and procedures that may affect the tongue.
Picture of Geographic Tongue
Geographic tongue. There is a peculiar condition of the tongue that takes the form of denudations of the lingual surface in patches of redness that shift in position from time to time over hours and days. The cause of the condition is not known; there may be some relationship to psoriasis. No treatment is effective. The condition is largely asymptomatic except for slight tingling when sharp food is taken.